Your midweek round-up of news from the world of heavy lift and project forwarding.
This week sees hordes of project cargo professionals come together for the Breakbulk China exhibition in Shanghai.
Delegates at the event will first hear from management consultant John Jullens, who will deliver a speech on China's economic outlook for 2015. The media has been full of reports about China's "economic slowdown" recently, but the vast country remains an important one for the heavy lift and project forwarding industry.
Attendees will also have the chance to hear more about compliance and legal issues in China, booking note strategies, an outlook on multipurpose and heavy lift fleet transportation, China's oil and gas pipeline network, and a presentation about moving abnormal loads on the Ancient Silk Route.
If you are at the event in Shanghai, keep an eye out for HLPFI's Peter Edwards, who will be present for the duration of the exhibition.
In business
MOL launches dedicated projects brand
MOL Group has established a unified brand for its heavy cargo and plant transport operations: MOL Project & Heavy Cargo.
Steder now sole owner of Romanian jv
Dutch Steder Group has acquired the shares previously held by Delta Maritime of Greece in the joint venture that the two companies had in Romania.
Sohar Port and Freezone has said that it aims to capitalise on the economic slowdown in China by focusing on the opportunities being created in booming regional markets.
The International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has warned that the fraudulent diversion of funds is on the increase in the maritime sector.
Port of Vancouver USA has 'historic year'
Port of Vancouver USA ceo Todd Coleman says that 2014 was a "banner year" for the port, with the gateway experiencing the best year for revenue and tonnage in its 103-year history.
Abu Dhabi Ports optimistic for 2015
Following a record year in 2014, Abu Dhabi Ports is forecasting 17 percent growth across all its general cargo activities in 2015.
Contractual obligations
Cuxport has signed a contract with Siemens regarding the provision of logistics services for the operation of the offshore platforms BorWin 2, HelWin 1 and 2, and SylWin 1.
Capacity developments
New era for Damen Yichang Shipyard
The Damen Yichang Shipyard - a joint venture between Damen Shipyards Group and Sinotrans CSC - plans to expand its portfolio of vessels, as well as its geographical reach.
Liebherr adds crane rescue sheets
Liebherr mobile cranes that comply with stage 3b or over will now come with a rescue sheet, which aims to enable the fast rescue of passengers and recovery of the crane after accidents.
Talbert upgrades trailer series
Talbert Manufacturing has updated its travelling axle (TA) series by increasing its hauling capacity by 5 tonnes.
On the move
GAC has set up an operations office in Japan to cater for the growing demand for ship's agency and husbandry services in light of the country's burgeoning energy sector.
Network news
WWPC members to support Infania
Members attending the Worldwide Project Consortium's (WWPC) 15th annual membership conference, will be supporting the Infania Organisation in a charity auction.
Notable shipment
Fleet Line Shipping (FLS) has coordinated the shipment of a 160-tonne crew boat, measuring 41 m x 8 m x 12 m, from Jebel Ali in the UAE to Dos Bocas, Mexico.
